The short version: Accounting software keeps track of your money in and out. It can send invoices, categorise expenses, and help you file tax returns and VAT submissions to HMRC.
Do I need it?
If you’re VAT registered, yes. Making Tax Digital rules mean you have to use HMRC recognised software to submit your VAT returns.
If you’re not VAT registered yet, you can get by with a spreadsheet. But software makes life easier, especially when it connects to your bank and pulls transactions in automatically.
What should I use?
We’re certified with FreeAgent, Xero, QuickBooks, and Sage. Our top pick? FreeAgent. It’s dead easy to use, and if you bank with Mettle (NatWest’s free business account), you get it completely free. That’s a saving of £330 a year.
Does software replace an accountant?
Nope. Software shows you what you earned and spent. An accountant tells you how to pay less tax legally, what expenses you’re missing, and actually files everything properly. Software is the tool; your accountant knows how to use it.
Not sure which software is right for you? Drop us a message and we’ll point you in the right direction.
